Coral Gables Riviera-Times

ARREST OF JUVENILES SOLVES FIVE BURGLARIES

Watch Your Step!

Have you looked at the calendar today? If you have you'll be wary of black cats, walking under ladders and other talismans of misfortune. It's Friday the Thirteenth. So, take it easy!

CORAL GABLES Riviera Times

VOL. 21—No. 22 TWO SECTIONS CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 1947 12 PAGES TEN CENTS

Community Chest

Has the Community Chest been successful in its effort to eliminate duplication of solicitations for charity? Read what 'Jim Moore has to say in his "Our Town," editorial page.

Three Youths Admit Thefts, Vandalism Clues Lead Detectives To Culprits

The arrest of three juveniles by Coral Gables police, Wednesday brought a solution to the recent wave of housebreaking that has been plaguing residents of this city. The 'police were aided in their search for the culprits by clues left at the scenes of the crimes. Thus far, the boys have confessed to acts of vandalism and burglaries in at least five homes. In most cases, the houses had been closed for the summer. The owners have been notified, and every effort is being made by the police to recover all the stolen property. The value of the loot was estimated at several hundred dollars, and consisted of money, watches, pen and pencil sets, radios, and costume jewelry. The boys are being held for the juvenile court. All of them have previous records.

City Budget Estimate Slashed After Tax Committee Probe

BIDS ASKED TO COMPLETE YOUTH CENTER Directors Okay Expenditures Of $80,000

Bids for the completion of the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center will be called for by June 20, Harry Morgenthaler, president stated yesterday following action of the board of directors on Monday. At the meeting, during which Morgenthaler was re-elected president, the Building and Site committee was authorized to go ahead with plans to complete the building this summer, providing the cost will not exceed $80,000. Final specifications are now being drawn by William H. Merriam. Other officers elected by the board included: Thomas C. Brown, first vice president; Tom Jefferson, second vice president; Mrs. Earl M. DeNoon, third vice president; Mrs. M. Lewis Hall, secretary; Mrs. S. A. Shikany, assistant secretary; and David Henderick, Jr., treasurer. Morgenthaler said that it was hoped to begin construction in July and to have the building completed in time for the Center's second anniversary on December 7.

IT WAS HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Youth Center President Harry Morgenthaler on Sunday when fellow directors staged a surprise reception for him at the Elks Club. Here Joan DeNoon presents him with a hand-drawn birthday card from the 1,500 kids at the Center as Toni Cesarrno eyes the birthday cake. Liz Swartz drew the card. In addition Morgenthaler received a gold money clip from the directors. —Binner photo

Budget Revision Highlights

Increased millage will be prevented by cutting at least $28,000 from the proposed budget through the following recommendations of the Citizens' Tax Committee. 1. $18,500 can be saved by cancelling plans to construct a municipal garage. The committee has also recommended a survey of the garage operation to determine if it can be operated more efficiently or by returning bus maintenance to private concerns on contract. 2. A saving of $3,000 can be made by cutting a proposed $5,000 expenditure for new parkway construction to $2,000. It is pointed out that service will not be impaired as work can be done by city forces already budgeted under labor. 3. A similar saving can be effected in slashing an estimated $6,000 for new storm drains to $3,000. Drains can be dug by city labor, already on payroll. 4. A heavy equipment operator is budgeted at $3,000 for full-time employment. It is believed that at least $1,000 can be saved by employing a man only when the heavy equipment is to be used. 5. Garbage fees are set up this year at $60,000, less than $1,000 over the 1946-47 income. It is believed that new construction will add at least $2,000 to this department's income. 6. An electrical inspector is now working part-time on a fee basis of 60 per cent of each permit. It is believed that a man could be employed on a salary basis as a combination electrical inspector and assistant building inspector at less than the $7,000 to be paid this year to the part-time electrical inspector and the full-time assistant building inspector. 7. A survey of the various city departments such as garage, parks and parkways and garbage disposal is recommended to determine if further economies cannot be effected through more efficient operation.

MILLAGE HIKE FORESTALLED BY ECONOMY PROGRAM $28,000 Will Be Lopped From Operational Expenditures

Coral Gables' finance department was working over the 1947-48 budget estimates today, lopping off $28,000 of proposed operational expenses which will prevent an increase in taxation and hold the millage to 21. The budget slash came as a result of a series of conferences with the Chamber of Commerce-appointed Citizens' Tax Committee which met with the commission, city manager and director of finance following a probe of the first draft of the budget estimate. To Meet Today The committee's final recommendations will be drawn up at a meeting scheduled for this afternoon and presented to the commission at its Tuesday meeting. Despite the fact that the debt refunding millage automatically increases from 7 to 71⁄2 mills next year, city commissioners were of the opinion that the operating expenses could be slashed to prevent any over-all millage increases. Tax Income Up Ad valorem taxes from new construction will add approximately $22,000 to city income during the coming fiscal year, which will aid in offsetting increases in any operational expenses. Major reductions recommended by the committee, the majority of which coincided in principle with an independent letter of recommendation presented to the commission by Commissioner Frank N. Holley, Jr. included: 1. Elimination of a proposed $18,500 garage building. 2. Lopping off $3,000 from the parkways department. 3. A reduction of $3,000 from the streets department. 4. Saving of $1,000 by changing a heavy equipment operator from full to part time. 5. An undetermined reduction in operating costs for the municipal garage. 6. An increase in anticipated revenues from the garbage collection department. 7. Placing of an electrical inspector on a salary basis instead of fee. The committee also recommended extensive surveys, to be made by impartial agencies, to determine whether further economies could not be effected through more efficient operation of municipal departments. Control Insured Director of Finance E. B. Poorman stated yesterday that the new budget will insure strict budgetary control in all departments and will eliminate exceeding of budget estimates by departments. The $85,000 paring operation is successful the operating mill- (Please Turn to Page Two)

Post Office Hours Are Changed

The Coral Gables branch post office will be closed at 1 p.m. on both Wednesday and Saturday afternoons throughout the balance of the summer months, it was announced today through the office of Hugh Emerson, postmaster. Mail may be deposited, however, in a box provided for that purpose at the Ponce de Leon Boulevard entrance to the post office arcade.

Exemptions Are Increased

An increase of 192 homestead exemptions since the 1946 listing was reported today by City Tax Assessor T. C. Blount. New exemptions number 351 while 164 homesteads listed last year were not renewed. Survey of the '47 tax roles also showed 121 new homes completed since the 1946 report. Total homestead exemptions tabulated for 1947 in the city are 2,223 as against 2,041 for last year. Although the number of new exemptions listed does not agree with the total increase reported the variation was attributed to the sale of homes which previously have been rental property and to the application of a homestead classification to property which was formerly rented.

League Softball Leaders Card Exhibition Games GREATER MIAMI'S TOP NINES TO APPEAR AGAINST CARL'S

Coral Gables softball fans will have an opportunity to see the best diamond talent in the area in action in a series of exhibition games arranged between Carl's Liquors, local league leaders and the top-flight nines in other leagues in Greater Miami. The games are slated for Saturday evening, and off-night in the local league and stellar combinations already lined up include Pan-American, Carl's Market, St. Sophia's, White Temple and Edison Center. Game Played The first exhibition game was played last night between Carl's Liquors and the Miami Jaycees. The local champs are depending on the pitching of Billy Powers and Charlie Knighton to garner a majority of victories for them in the series. League Action Action in the local Men's League continues tonight with My Brother's Place facing Naval Air Station in the opener and Roger's playing National Airlines in the second game. On Monday Carl's Liquors faces Delta Airlines and My Brother's Place is teamed against National Airlines. Rogers Electric plays National Airlines Tuesday night. On Wednesday this weeke eaters from South Miami cross bats with the Granada Club and Taylor's Sports in a doubleheader for the firemen. Thursday My Brother's Place is teamed against the Granada Club. Play in the High School league will be resumed on Monday night with Taylor's and Wickard's listed as opponents. On Tuesday Olin's plays Renurrt's with WBAY and Turner-Evans drawing the Wednesday card. Taylor's battles Olin's on Thursday.

‘U’ Building, Cafeteria Hike Permits Work to Start On Housing Job; Elementary School

Coral Gables' construction total skyrocketed this week as Building Inspector Gilbert Campbell issued permits for the $4,498,000 University of Miami housing project and a $54,312 cafeteria addition to the Coral Gables Elementary School. Building Contractor Gust K. Newberg lost no time in applying for the University construction permit following the closing of a financial deal Wednesday for the FHA insured loan from the Trust Company of New Jersey. 27 Buildings The project calls for the construction of 27 apartment buildings, a cafeteria and stores, maintenance building, power plant and sewage disposal system. The Elementary School cafeteria, designed by August Geiger, will be built by Fred Howland. In addition the Kunde Construction Co. took out a permit for the construction of the first house in a veterans housing program planned by the company. The first residence, costing $9,500 will be built at 430 Avenue Loretta. Edward T. Rempe, Jr., is designing the buildings.

Amvets Ask City Plans For Biltmore Golf Course

A clarification of the city's intentions concerning possible acquisition of the Miami Biltmore Golf Course was asked this week by Gables-Grove Post 18, Amvets, according to Davis Butler Webb, commander. In a letter addressed to Mayor W. Keith Phillips, the newly formed veterans organization requested that the city commission make clear whether or not it proposes to bid for the course and how it would be operated. Topic Discussed The matter of possible city acquisition of the golf course property as a municipal course was brought before the commission over a month ago when it was learned that the Veteran's Administration would probably be financially unable to keep up the 18-hole championship course. Webb said that his organization was not opposing possible city acquisition of the property but was interested in learning if provision would be made for use of the course by patients at Pratt Veteran's Hospital and by disabled veterans in the area. The Amvets maintain headquarters at 1000 East Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

Fire Driving Rain Fails To Douse Blaze

Despite a driving rainstorm Tuesday morning, the Coral Gables Fire Department was called out to extinguish a blaze that started in a scrap lumber-pile at the new Post Office building on Avenue Giralda. The fire started at 9:15 a.m. and was put out in 20 minutes with little damage. Defective wiring was the cause of a house fire that broke out at 1227 Pizarro Street, Tuesday. The fire started at 7:45 p.m. Lt. E. S. Scobie, of the Fire Department, warns all motorists to be careful when passing street construction. The fire trucks were called out twice last week because drivers had knocked over the smudge pots that are used as warning lights at night.

‘Sea Hermit’ Will Address Rotarians

Capt. Bob Zimmerman, known as "The Hermit of the Sea," will be the speaker at the luncheon meeting of the Coral Gables Rotary Club today at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Capt. Zimmerman, who has lectured extensively on submarine oddities is currently constructing an underwater house about four miles off-shore from Key Largo. Dubbed an "Underseaquarium" the unique structure will be located 20 feet below the surface of the water in a coral garden. Visitors will enter the house by a spiral stairway descending from a float. Large windows will permit views of aquatic creatures in their natural habitat.

Breakfast Club Hears Wilmott

John F. Willmott, executive director of the Dade County Research Foundation, spoke Thursday morning to the Coral Gables Breakfast Club regarding "fact-finding in local government." His speech covered efficiency in organized government and personnel using illustrations of happenings in other cities. Of the 168,000 local governments throughout the United States we could operate on 10 per cent of these with ease, thereby causing great economies in administration, said Mr. Willmott. The Dade County Research Foundation was established in January, 1947. It is a non-profit corporation established to analyze local measures and problems and to wake the citizens from their rut of inefficiency. The Dade County Research Foundation will survey any problem any city in Dade County has and endeavor to assist in an equitable solution of their problems.

Funeral Rites Observed For George Goodsell

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. yesterday afternoon in the Miami Philbrick Chapel for George Goodsell, Jr., 28, 1507 Capri Street, who died Monday in a Miami hospital following a short illness. Rev. Paul Johnson of the First Presbyterian Church of Coral Gables conducted the services with interment following in Woodlawn Park. He came here 18 years ago from Saginaw, Mich. and was a veteran of World War II and a member of the American Legion. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. W. R. Eaton of Coral Gables, and a brother, Donald Goodsell of Saginaw.

Gables Models Get Certificates Tonight

Modeling diplomas will be awarded to 36 girls in a broadcast this evening at the Coral Gables Youth Center. The girls, aged 13 to 18, received their training at the Center. WBAY will broadcast the event. Two of the models, Sue Graham, 16, and Shirley Brown 14, have already been selected to be photographed in color by Acme Pictures.

Atom Is Subject Of Kiwanis Talk

Dr. John Henry Clouse, dean of Engineering at the University of Miami will address the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club, Tuesday, at the Country Club of Coral Gables on "How to Live with the Atom." Designated official speaker for this area by the National Committee on Atomic Information, Dean Clouse has spoken to a large number of organizations in the Miami area.

Four Attend ‘Boy’s State’

Four students of Ponce de Leon High School are representing Coral Gables at the annual "Boys' State" which is being held in Tallahassee from June 9 to June 16. They include Douglas Preston, George Smith, Al Slack and Sonny Parrish. Jack Gramley is local chairman of the Boy's State Committee.

Cecilia Duenas to Return As Philharmonie Soloist

Cecilia Duenas, the Colombian coloratura soprano, will be the feature soloist for the next concert of the Philharmonic Society of Greater Miami, scheduled for June 24 at the Country Club of Coral Gables, Oliver P. Washburn, conductor, announced today. Miss Duenas was the featured soloist in the April concert and is being brought back by popular demand, Washburn said. In making the announcement the conductor also expressed appreciation for the support given the orchestra during the last 12 months of the "first series of popular informal concerts to be presented in South Florida, summer as well as winter." "Our policy of presenting soloists and composers of local residence has proven its value and we have even had the flattery of imitation," he stated. "The musicians in our orchestra, although presented by musicans in the organization are musicians of the highest rank in our profession." Included in the orchestra are represented by musicians from the orchestra, although and Boston Symphonies, Chicago, Indianapolis, Syracuse, Atlanta, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Boston Symphonies, the Chicago Civic Opera and the San Carlos Opera Co. "We feel that it is through these instrumentalists, vocalists (Please Turn to Page Two)

Mcllwain, Robinson Attend Conference

City Manager William T. McIlwain and L. W. Robinson, director of public service, are attending a three-day course in city management sponsored by the University of Florida at Gainesville. The short course, which began yesterday and will be concluded tomorrow, is being attended by officials from various Florida cities as well as from cities in othern southern states. Principal speaker at the meetings is Clarence E. Ridley, executive director of the International Association of City Managers.

Four Are Fined In Municipal 'Court

Municipal court was fairly quiet this week with only five cases coming up. Jessie R. Walker, negress, of 2371⁄4 Grand Avenue, was fined $15 and costs for disorderly conduct. James D. Waters, 1025 S. W. 68th Avenue paid $35, and Allen Lucas, 4720 N. W. 6th Street, paid $25 on charges of disorderly conduct, drunkness, and creating a disturbance. Floyd Gadd, 45 Coral Way was fined $55 for disorderly conduct, fighting, and drunkenness. Kenneth J. Kimbull, 4601 University Drive was fined $30 for disorderly conduct and fighting.

Firemen Are Called

A case of drowning at Matheson Hammock last Saturday brought out the artificial respiration equipment of the Coral Gables Fire Department. The call was answered by Firemen C. T. Wallace and L. C. White. Although two cylinders of oxygen were used, the victim, D. P. Bishop of 834 N. W. 110th St., he failed to respond to the treatment.

SALES MANAGEMENT FIGURES QUOTED Coral Gables Ranks High in Retail Sales, Effective Buying Income, Quality Market

Coral Gables' retail sales, effective buying income and quality of market for 1946 show a marked increase over figures for 1945, according to recent nation-wide estimates released by Sales Management magazine. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce this week received permission from the publication to analyze and reproduce the local estimates. Sales Management is nationally recognized as an official source. SALES INCREASED Retail sales increased by approximately two million dollars over 1945 and more than four million dollars over 1944, according to the survey. Coral Gables was credited with $11,851,000 for last year. Only 20 Florida cities are included in the survey and all but two, Plant City and DeLand, are larger in population than Coral Gables. OUTSTANDING COMPARISON The most outstanding comparison to be made is in the effective buying income per family. Coral Gables, with $4,309 per family, stands fourth, being topped by Miami, Miami Beach and West Palm Beach. In "quality of market" Coral Gables nosed out Miami to stand fourth to Miami Beach, West Palm Beach and DeLand. The national average index here is 100, with Coral Gables credited with 143. GROCERY SALES QUOTED A breakdown of retail sales shows Gables grocery sales at $4,151,000, topping eight other cities such as Gainesville, Plant City, Ft. Myers, Clearwater, Tallahassee and DeLand. According to Mary T. Moore, executive secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, this is a good indication of the wide trade area served by Coral Gables. Sales Management does not reveal the sources of its survey, Mrs. Moore said. The magazine states that its most recent population estimates may be slightly inaccurate because of the lack of late census figures. All figures used are copyrighted 1947 by Sales Management Survey of Buying Power; further reproduction is not licensed.